STEVEN Ades, Albion's FA Youth Cup goalkeeper, has given his county a headache.

The 17-year-old was man-of-the-match for Sussex Schools' under-19s as they defeated Essex 1-0 in the English Schools' Premier Trophy, when Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College's Jake East hitting the match-winner.

But he will miss the next group game against Kent on January 19 because the Seagulls need him on the same day for their fourth-round tie against Everton at Goodison Park.

Sussex manager Alan Sanders said: "It's a crunch game for us because we need a victory to help us win our group but I've got to release him for the Albion game. It'll be such a big occasion for him playing at Goodison."

Ades appreciates the gesture.

He said: "I'd loved to have played both matches.

"I'm really looking forward to playing at Everton. All the great goalkeepers, including Neville Southall of course, have played at Goodison."

Ades was caught up in a clash of dates when he played for Albion in the previous round at Brentford. It was the night before the versatile sportsman was due to fly out with Sussex for a cricket tour of South Africa.

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